tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59160497060457256382024-03-13T16:10:02.920+01:00Expat in the NetherlandsLiving in the Netherlands as an Expat. Discovering what to do in the Netherlands, with or without kids. Cultural shock and curious things about Dutch culture.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-46135413185657457852014-05-22T12:33:00.002+02:002014-05-22T12:34:16.296+02:00Biking with high heels in the Netherlands<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFixR_MJqe6NoFLcar072-DNC3o-FYwCszHgupSK2dj3FCaEhI955qXuns9QJ9TI5ceZP18yPIC1fhjA5HYWNaWCFxLRhlCuzCkiQPmg5rD5nPyEcimcEr3ijqXrwshaUdizQs1aUQxE/s1600/BIKING+WITH+HEELS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Biking in the Netherlands" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFixR_MJqe6NoFLcar072-DNC3o-FYwCszHgupSK2dj3FCaEhI955qXuns9QJ9TI5ceZP18yPIC1fhjA5HYWNaWCFxLRhlCuzCkiQPmg5rD5nPyEcimcEr3ijqXrwshaUdizQs1aUQxE/s1600/BIKING+WITH+HEELS.jpg" height="150" title="Biking with heels in the Netherlands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biking with heels <br />
(not mine heels though in the picture).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On Tuesday I really felt
I'm starting to get integrated into the Dutch culture.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On Tuesday I did bike wiht
my high heels!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Weather was of course
helping, and giving me the inspiration to bike in first place: it was one of
those sunny and warm day.... Sooo delicious.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My outfit for that day was
including heels, and I didn't want to change it. But I also wanted to take my
bike!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the end I told to myself
"if they can do it, why cannot I?"<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I mean, if Dutch women can
ride their bikes with heels, why should I not be able to do the same?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It cannot be that
"only" because they are used to bike every day, in whatever weather
condition, since the age of 2 (or maybe even earlier...), while last time I did
ride a bike before coming to the Netherlands was probably almost 10 years
ago.... This cannot be the only reason why I could not ride a bike with heels.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So in the end I decided to
give it a try.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And, surprise surprise...
It was not that bad! Yes, it is true, every now and then I risked to loose the
grip on the pedal, but in the end I managed to keep it, and everything was
fine. And I discovered that when stopping for a traffic light, it is even
easier to keep the balance with heels!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, all in all, balance of
biking with heels, is positive!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Next step will be sending a
text from my phone while biking. Possibly under the rain. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That will be the moment in
which I will say "Now I'm really getting Dutch". <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And you? Which was your
more "Dutch" way to ride a bike?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-11977159118264297972014-05-14T10:00:00.000+02:002014-05-14T10:00:02.577+02:00Rotterdam Marítime museum - visiting with kids<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fpd2Td9aWE2Dkev72v_Jkc6KwA2439CwtNsO0E59OJvwSd7vkMHF8WUTPh4yjdhKFWsknQMrW5zC_hRaIGTIrrrcinZVtonzwoXxcUdw5khEM_diEMzyVIdzamv-N5B8XFjh7zvEGwc/s1600/maritiem+museum5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maritime museum" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fpd2Td9aWE2Dkev72v_Jkc6KwA2439CwtNsO0E59OJvwSd7vkMHF8WUTPh4yjdhKFWsknQMrW5zC_hRaIGTIrrrcinZVtonzwoXxcUdw5khEM_diEMzyVIdzamv-N5B8XFjh7zvEGwc/s1600/maritiem+museum5.jpg" height="239" title="what to do with kids in Rotterdam" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maritime museum </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're in Rotterdam with kids, and in a rainy day you don't know what to do with them.... <a href="http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96" target="_blank">Maritime Museum</a> is a good option.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
You can easily trigger them telling they will find a nice playground area there.<br />
They can go fishing from a "pirate boat", they can sailon a sailboat, work in a harbour, extinguish a fire on a boat, repair a ship engine, and finally, when they will be too tired, they can get some rest on a hammock.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Before you get to the playground at the second floor (or deck...) you cannot miss the immense plastic of Rotterdam city and it's huge port.</div>
<div>
And if kids are patient enough, you can even understand a bit about its history.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-jbGhZpfujEz3mRK5toPCHUB4Yubre5uB8UTjiCW8vECld9pkhsPuIqU9qakyzCfnfU4_da3yPttCLt5p7UogX3-m0Ouh5j1qy0fV8YrMF_2qiZmuqkaWCtqBjdqlcEBohABqkM1NoA/s1600/maritiem+museum+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="maritime museum" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-jbGhZpfujEz3mRK5toPCHUB4Yubre5uB8UTjiCW8vECld9pkhsPuIqU9qakyzCfnfU4_da3yPttCLt5p7UogX3-m0Ouh5j1qy0fV8YrMF_2qiZmuqkaWCtqBjdqlcEBohABqkM1NoA/s1600/maritiem+museum+a.jpg" height="320" title="what to do with kids in Rotterdam" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maritime museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Maritime Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 5pm<br />
<br />
And now until September 2014, every Sunday you can get on one of the historic ships of the Harbour and create a unique trip through the harbor of Rotterdam. <a href="http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?fuseaction=nieuws.showitem&id=361" target="_blank">Check their website for more details.</a><br />
<br />
We have not done this trip yet. <br />
Maybe a good idea for something to do with kids in Rotterdam in a bit more sunny sunday.<br />
<br />
Tot ziens</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-9125017500438495302014-05-05T12:38:00.000+02:002014-05-05T12:38:44.081+02:00Flower parade in Holland.Still about flowers...<br />
<br />
Living in the Netherlands it is difficult not to fall in love with flowers!<br />
<br />
Last Saturday there was a beatiful "Flower Parade". It started in Noordwijk and ended in Haarlem, passing the Keukenhof garden.<br />
<br />
Going there we saw many floats built and decoraded with millions of flowers: an amazing show.<br />
Wonderful colors, beautiful smell.<br />
<br />
And if that was not enough, we also have been lucky enough to get a sunny day!<br />
<br />
If you will be here around next year, definitely worth while to consider a visit to the parade!<br />
<br />
Here some pictures.<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-74668215687229558262014-04-28T11:00:00.000+02:002014-05-05T00:37:55.666+02:00Koningsdag - King's dayIf you decided to leave in the Netherlands, you should celebrate at least once the Koningsdag, the King's day.<br />
<br />
It is an easy way to get closer to Dutch people and to their habits.<br />
It is an incredible party, and celebrating it from a boat could be great fun if you're with the right company.<br />
<br />
In our first year in the Netherlands, we decided to celebrate it in Amsterdam.<br />
Since I left my house in the morning I noticed something different: many houses had a dutch and an orange flag, doesn't matter if small or big.<br />
<br />
And while going to the station was funny to see that everyone was wearing at least something orange: kids with a t-shirt, old ladies with a scurf, or maybe with small details like ear-rings. It doesn't matter using what, the important thing is bringing to life "orange-ness" in some way!<br />
<br />
Once we arrived in Amsterdam, we jumped on a boat, to live the party from the canals.<br />
At the beginning I was even scared: I couldn't believe our boat could handle all the people that was waiting to jump on. And actually... it could not! <br />
After a smooth starting, our boat had to stop for technical reasons, no better identified!<br />
<br />
But despite the technical stop.... it was anyway amazing. Sun was shining, music was loud, and beer was fresh. So no worries!<br />
<br />
And after a while we were finally able to leave again.<br />
<br />
There were sooo many boats in the canals....<br />
It was like being in a huge dancing party. All the boats with music, and people dancing and cheering from one boat to the others. Music everywhere.<br />
There was a feeling of joy and sharing. People was looking at the boats from the bridges, and waving at people on board. Everything around painted orange.<br />
And from the boats, we were watching at people from balconies also celebrating. Was nice to see people from the house-boats also participating to the party.<br />
<br />
Again, a nice day lived in the Netherlands.<br />
<br />
Tot ziens.<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-57821871615525499122014-04-02T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-02T10:31:10.188+02:00Visiting Keukenhof - the botanic garden close to Amsterdam<h4>
Finally is the time to talk
about <a href="http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/" target="_blank">Keukenhof</a>.</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0HciObfyXmRrilKLKubdHSlJfm26qIiEl7PcJAGiwowHpXp1JHn0dlGxKNHhc8STCDc5vId0-O900yWNYb6ELw8PvabeKUmy_Qap-Tri8I1tNQl4OeztBb4_dpk97ua0PC2PCw74BLI/s1600/Keukenhof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What to do in the Netherlands" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0HciObfyXmRrilKLKubdHSlJfm26qIiEl7PcJAGiwowHpXp1JHn0dlGxKNHhc8STCDc5vId0-O900yWNYb6ELw8PvabeKUmy_Qap-Tri8I1tNQl4OeztBb4_dpk97ua0PC2PCw74BLI/s1600/Keukenhof.jpg" height="400" title="Keukenhof" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring at Keukenhof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was looking forward for spring to come, to be able to visit this wonderful botanic garden.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And finally we've got the opportunity to go there. We were waiting for the nicest and warmest weekend of the month!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We went there by car - not really Dutch style! - but you can also go there by train and then there's a bus from Schipol to the garden (see <a href="http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/plan-your-visit/route-planner/" target="_blank">Keukenhof website</a> for more infos on how to get there).</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some of us bought the<a href="http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/plan-your-visit/tickets/" target="_blank">ticket on line</a>, to avoid cueing at the entrance. But we discovered that even the Dutch efficiency from time to time can fail: the ones who bought the ticket on line had to wait more than the ones who have bought the ticket at the entrance.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Despite initial difficulties, we manage to get inside, and we have been welcomed by a funny music and a nice water fountain.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Keukenhof is <strong>open from 20 March until 18 May 2014</strong>. Every single day! That also means every Sunday and public holidays throughout this period, including Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, King's Day and Liberation Day!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyObEbaNrQLWur_WhDQB1n-I26yFMT95Bj2XpZPEJcPsS9L3anc_67QfyrgINDtuyIrHGXBZBUbMgLKGIu2s_boAUOAMg8UyPJAxP_5qVlnbbAyZDUXulioUiQVYe_4lgHBJdIXImycs/s1600/Keukenhof2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What to do in the Netherlands" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyObEbaNrQLWur_WhDQB1n-I26yFMT95Bj2XpZPEJcPsS9L3anc_67QfyrgINDtuyIrHGXBZBUbMgLKGIu2s_boAUOAMg8UyPJAxP_5qVlnbbAyZDUXulioUiQVYe_4lgHBJdIXImycs/s1600/Keukenhof2.jpg" height="640" title="Keukenhof" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers in Keukenhof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, Sara, how did you find
it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sara: I liked it a lot. It
was nice to walk in this garden, surrounded by <strong>tulips</strong>, <strong>narcissus</strong> and <strong>hyacinths</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Simona: What always strikes
me, is that here despite you are in a place with so many people, it is always
silent around.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sa: it is amazing to see
all these flowers forming nice figures with different colors and types.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Si: I have to be honest:
now I understand why many dutch don't like to come here, as they consider this
place too touristic. Actually it is extremely touristic. But in the end, we're
also tourist in some way, right?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sa: yes! Absolutely, let's
get the most out of being tourist while here!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Si: what I like here is
that, as in many other parks I visited in the Netherlands, you can choose if
either buying your food here, with many different alternatives - not really the
cheapest solution! - or eating something you bring from home. There are always
<strong>nice picnic areas</strong>.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmyxsMduJP-uGJlExhFSm8UtoQABsnadeb79NdnwjDlfy5uvdTFJff7mL7pbvBgwfppfLt9YFqpadakLw_r1aA65a4DHkU9UoaA-ofyheH7iwEnIQPL4XZTdaFT7G7C0FfqaM29GXsN4/s1600/Keukenhof+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What to do in the Netherlands" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmyxsMduJP-uGJlExhFSm8UtoQABsnadeb79NdnwjDlfy5uvdTFJff7mL7pbvBgwfppfLt9YFqpadakLw_r1aA65a4DHkU9UoaA-ofyheH7iwEnIQPL4XZTdaFT7G7C0FfqaM29GXsN4/s1600/Keukenhof+1.jpg" height="640" title="Keukenhof" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring in Keukenhof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sa: and it is amazing to
see that Dutch always think about family with kids, and always find a way to
include a <strong>playground area for the smallest one</strong>. The area here was really
cool.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kids enjoyed a lot the
games, and also the <strong>small animals</strong> present here: sheeps, goats, hens, cocks,
pigs....<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Si: I think kids also
enjoyed the <strong>labyrinth</strong>!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sa: You're right...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Si: I enjoyed the <strong>windmill</strong>.
It's a pity though we didn't manage to go for the <strong>boat tour</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sa: we have to come back!
Next time we do the <strong>field trip on a bike</strong> (it is also possible to rent the bikes
directly here), and maybe even the boat tour.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Si: Yep. Let's see also if
we will be able to make the Amaryllis bulb we bought growing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sa: otherwise we come back
to complain! :) But also to see more tulips, like the amazing and huge ones we
saw in the green house.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All in all, despite not
cheap entrance (15 euro) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- but we're
getting that here, it's not easy to find something cheap! - I think it worth,
and we spent a nice day surrounded by the beauty of wonderful flowers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-23881223187019902532014-04-01T11:03:00.002+02:002014-04-01T23:40:57.059+02:00Ready for the World Pillow Fight Day?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiHUyRoZNUEDbXP3kNkgvnNS4K8j7NhZnzykLqM_M_dLQTpv3UJflZmju46dcqCUCfEAWll8R_RUNHyXlupovrpDXUUNEj31h7aAqhxLsQUUabvrLz14Jybkir203KBgdpXCg3sGcgf8/s1600/pillow+fight+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What to do in Amsterdam" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiHUyRoZNUEDbXP3kNkgvnNS4K8j7NhZnzykLqM_M_dLQTpv3UJflZmju46dcqCUCfEAWll8R_RUNHyXlupovrpDXUUNEj31h7aAqhxLsQUUabvrLz14Jybkir203KBgdpXCg3sGcgf8/s1600/pillow+fight+day.jpg" height="130" title="World Pillow Fight Day in Amsterdam" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wordl Pillow Fight Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Are you going to be in Amsterdam next weekend?</h4>
<div>
Don't know what to do? Maybe you need to let off some tension from the week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then you may want to join a crazy event, and see how Dutch can turns into happy kids and have good fun when they are free of rules.</div>
<h4>
On April 5th Amsterdam will be one of the city celebrating World Pillow Fight Day</h4>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The event will take also place in many other city around the world: Italy will also be represented with Rome and Milan. And then Paris, London, New York, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Saigon, and any other cities (<a href="http://2014.pillowfightday.com/" target="_blank">find out more here</a>). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Everyone is invited to grab its own pillow and join, bringing all it's right to have fun.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
"The Amsterdam Pillow Fight is a free event that's devoted to freedom, creativity and happiness. Today's world is increasingly dominated by regulations, security and commercialism. That’s why we must reclaim the streets as a place where we can simply have fun - free of regulating authorities and corporate sponsors."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here the rules to join the Pillow Fight Day:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>0. Invite all your fluffy friends </b></div>
<div>
Friends. Lovers. Kids. Neighbours. Grandmas.</div>
<div>
<b>1. Dress for press and mess</b> </div>
<div>
Wear something fun and feather-proof.</div>
<div>
<b>2. Bring your own pillow </b></div>
<div>
We recommend soft pillows with feathers!</div>
<div>
<b>3. Get there in time</b> </div>
<div>
Arrive before 3pm and wait for the signal.</div>
<div>
<b>4. Fight fluffy</b> </div>
<div>
Don’t hit anyone without a pillow and swing subtly.</div>
<div>
<b>5. Clean up after yourself</b> </div>
<div>
Treat public space with respect. It is not ours only.</div>
<div>
<br />
**PLEASE HELP WITH THE CLEAN UP** </div>
<div>
The importance of cleaning up our fluffy mess can not be overstated. The pillow fight happens around our War Monument, so we have a big responsibility to clean up as good as we can. Please bring rubber gloves, brooms and garbage bags. Join the cleaning crew, so that we deserve to return next year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See you on April 5th. Enjoy the fun fight and... may the best win!</div>
<div>
<br />
Check out <a href="http://www.bruring.net/main-menu/the-pillow-fight-at-dam-square-amsterdam/" target="_blank">this website</a> for beautiful pictures of previous events, and get inspired!<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.bruring.net/main-menu/the-pillow-fight-at-dam-square-amsterdam/"> </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.bruring.net/main-menu/the-pillow-fight-at-dam-square-amsterdam/"></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.bruring.net/main-menu/the-pillow-fight-at-dam-square-amsterdam/"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4ngMksSU_gg6KP52PQ7LVn9e8duBGhAwHC-2rK8rq_wlX9A8Na-ZMPvpAbWQ0RzrY8zIcBIai_i_SP7fOc6WSxrZLB1ilneYgt-94l5jjfiQLEwxOYfiHpBnZ3A4-bi3CoLCmU3V4jk/s1600/pillow_fight_dam_256-500x333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What to do in Amsterdam" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4ngMksSU_gg6KP52PQ7LVn9e8duBGhAwHC-2rK8rq_wlX9A8Na-ZMPvpAbWQ0RzrY8zIcBIai_i_SP7fOc6WSxrZLB1ilneYgt-94l5jjfiQLEwxOYfiHpBnZ3A4-bi3CoLCmU3V4jk/s1600/pillow_fight_dam_256-500x333.jpg" height="213" title="World Pillow Fight Day in Amsterdam" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Pillow Fight in Amsterdam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</a></span><br /></div>
<div>
Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/591568040930100" target="_blank"> event on facebook</a> as well.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-16920989585790432052014-03-24T10:30:00.000+01:002014-03-24T10:30:00.189+01:00Rotterdam with kids<h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-738uhyAEdj75jUpoUc2bpIlEUUkLllCHk1J_3XbUeUakv4m0NPEeg3g5LF6cEYWlQXujWcNIOH8Q3JBAjFZfThC-KkrA_3beUHv4L1R0Vw_e_v8E_dFiFRk5zeCBpDbOCmfSePKSxo/s1600/Plaswick+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rotterdam with kids" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-738uhyAEdj75jUpoUc2bpIlEUUkLllCHk1J_3XbUeUakv4m0NPEeg3g5LF6cEYWlQXujWcNIOH8Q3JBAjFZfThC-KkrA_3beUHv4L1R0Vw_e_v8E_dFiFRk5zeCBpDbOCmfSePKSxo/s1600/Plaswick+logo.jpg" height="177" title="Plaswijck park" width="200" /></a>No ideas on what to do and where to go with kids in Rotterdam?</h4>
<br />
<a href="http://www.plaswijckpark.nl/" target="_blank">Plaswijck</a> park could be perfect solution for a day out with them.<br />
It is in the north part of Rotterdam (<a href="http://nieuw.plaswijckpark.klantsite.net/routeplanner" target="_blank">here</a> how to get there).<br />
<br />
It is an amazing place that mine kids adore.<br />
The park is really thought to be at kid's size, with respect for adults at the same time. It has many different playing areas, both outside and indoor. The thing that impressed me is that even when the park is really crowded, you never really have the feeling of being overwhelmed by people. But this is maybe linked to the fact that I come from Rome, a very big city, where whatever you decide to do, there will be other thousand people there with you, and you always feel a bit stifled by others.<br />
<br />
One of the first thing kids will get crazy about are 2 <strong>huge slides</strong> at the entrance of the park.<br />
To slide down they have to climb a big wooden tower.<br />
If it is nice weather - belive it or not, sometimes it is good weather here as well! - you can sit on nice tables while watching your kids sliding down.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnLzsayhJQzwlEaPOYtP_aCGcF1ZgECUzibANEITGm7EGzzVoTR8Lt49MPx_lX3WOVnsOFoab96scCe7TlgjXPg1AiKAF2Q3LLMj9b4TYy31LOcIYQ6IOT-zzicpmmkFrDBCXcGad-Hc/s1600/Plaswick+slides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnLzsayhJQzwlEaPOYtP_aCGcF1ZgECUzibANEITGm7EGzzVoTR8Lt49MPx_lX3WOVnsOFoab96scCe7TlgjXPg1AiKAF2Q3LLMj9b4TYy31LOcIYQ6IOT-zzicpmmkFrDBCXcGad-Hc/s1600/Plaswick+slides.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of the other crazy thing you have there is an <strong>amazing trampoline</strong>: kids start jumping up and down and then the only issue is having them getting off from it!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsx85xRHCX8qxFcNpSFrnUqGvXvyvb76NxHf2-fgj2qymFs6_-21qgwU-WChk6S1p8Myf1hKXjTanQ3yd1ElCj5awzTvdSUlrxr_cUAMRIg7Pdw62Q9HZ4O0wuRFHp86-kPoOtMvi2Hk/s1600/Plaswijck+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rotterdam with kids" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsx85xRHCX8qxFcNpSFrnUqGvXvyvb76NxHf2-fgj2qymFs6_-21qgwU-WChk6S1p8Myf1hKXjTanQ3yd1ElCj5awzTvdSUlrxr_cUAMRIg7Pdw62Q9HZ4O0wuRFHp86-kPoOtMvi2Hk/s1600/Plaswijck+park.jpg" height="238" title="Plaswijck park" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaswijck - outdoor trampoline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
he other thing that drives my kids crazy is the <strong>car area</strong>: they can "drive" small pedal cars and going around a small city, where there is also the petrol pump.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdwd56vXolN-EKzsdRWPW6XzmMeYx1hhNmMNGX8BU0Nv2omUNMriOxi0jL3AMsxiBHR4KgTMCHql_1h1IzRr84TDlgC1nDO0Ig5nsIrralxQyfTYikX4uBYmvdpGM0tZJL1wxtt-2oKA/s1600/Plaswijck+park+car+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdwd56vXolN-EKzsdRWPW6XzmMeYx1hhNmMNGX8BU0Nv2omUNMriOxi0jL3AMsxiBHR4KgTMCHql_1h1IzRr84TDlgC1nDO0Ig5nsIrralxQyfTYikX4uBYmvdpGM0tZJL1wxtt-2oKA/s1600/Plaswijck+park+car+school.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There's a <strong>nice carousel</strong> kids will also love.<br />
<br />
And when kids are tired of jumping up and down, you can always take them for a <strong>tour of the park in the small train.</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhJYqXL2zrB_kaIcX4MWvbCXjtLM3ezSIO-MhGpjADrXaTg3qh47_AprqlLzIh06El7GYBxApkvvNaKRI_EdDcV9Utjw_AVWCySPZxuOKyPP63sIAMdHBc5mi2bnL5VhtV6vN-mpDFgg/s1600/Plaswick+train+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhJYqXL2zrB_kaIcX4MWvbCXjtLM3ezSIO-MhGpjADrXaTg3qh47_AprqlLzIh06El7GYBxApkvvNaKRI_EdDcV9Utjw_AVWCySPZxuOKyPP63sIAMdHBc5mi2bnL5VhtV6vN-mpDFgg/s1600/Plaswick+train+station.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before leaving you have to visit <strong>Plaswijk zoo</strong>! There are also some cangaroos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMOmbEhNVFZ1gfaTVhHG9l7PJJwqqmZDCMJuuI3LnvtViPCP-meYvkBF_4pnDvdewA3rHOspvKRVV_B-oyqwTfwi7C7HqSHBeMbABGdgXzAOjwjtpdvFV-SYUzLYaIKJt1k2GCc21u68/s1600/Plaswick+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMOmbEhNVFZ1gfaTVhHG9l7PJJwqqmZDCMJuuI3LnvtViPCP-meYvkBF_4pnDvdewA3rHOspvKRVV_B-oyqwTfwi7C7HqSHBeMbABGdgXzAOjwjtpdvFV-SYUzLYaIKJt1k2GCc21u68/s1600/Plaswick+zoo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you want to get some relax, assuming your kids are old enough to sit quietly for more than 2 minutes, you can always opt for a tour on the <strong>pedal swans</strong> on the lake.<br />
Be careful because with good season there's also a slide for boats: kids may ask to go there :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yNyMV6ME4nNuBz-rVjBwRoysqQZPZhUKCb9N6xqOpVSbO_PKvSNJp73wg7i-Hn5kaxRCCUsemnZmnzg7htCKwzgcRfDUtHY8cBe-zr8JGNk8Dx54shC9UZM1xR4Vwnpi3ra25vEWKpg/s1600/Plaswick+swan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yNyMV6ME4nNuBz-rVjBwRoysqQZPZhUKCb9N6xqOpVSbO_PKvSNJp73wg7i-Hn5kaxRCCUsemnZmnzg7htCKwzgcRfDUtHY8cBe-zr8JGNk8Dx54shC9UZM1xR4Vwnpi3ra25vEWKpg/s1600/Plaswick+swan.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And what if it is bad weather? <br />
You still have the option of the <strong>indoor area</strong>.<br />
First time we went there my older son said excited "there are thousand games here!".<br />
They can easily spend hours there.<br />
<br />
And everything is so well thougth that you can also stay hours there without getting bored!<br />
<br />
If you want to spend the whole day there, it would be easy to do it. There's also a <strong>restaurant</strong>, with many - Dutch - alternative for kids, but you can also choose to have <strong>your own food</strong> in one of the many tables outside.<br />
<br />
You can buy online tickets <a href="http://www.plaswijckpark.nl/bestellen">http://www.plaswijckpark.nl/bestellen</a><br />
If you live closeby, could be useful to consider the annual family subscritpion: if you go there a couple of time, it will be already worth while.<br />
<br />
Now we're looking forward to the good season: there is an amazing <strong>pool</strong> as well, and we still have to try it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnTjpazO6DLaUM34B-QYijh7M69RBoh-fBm_Mf9UEQHPxy8XOeupX50GHA-wKqpsOALLXXRTn2Z8YbRTfogKqTjbG1B81sOpxWkJZucI4nN1f79yvdkb0YVL9EK1Boqxf86y3g9yFcj0/s1600/Plaswick+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnTjpazO6DLaUM34B-QYijh7M69RBoh-fBm_Mf9UEQHPxy8XOeupX50GHA-wKqpsOALLXXRTn2Z8YbRTfogKqTjbG1B81sOpxWkJZucI4nN1f79yvdkb0YVL9EK1Boqxf86y3g9yFcj0/s1600/Plaswick+pool.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Will you join us?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-59755189250060380952014-03-20T11:00:00.000+01:002014-03-20T23:01:13.253+01:00Rest and relax in Rotterdam.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_PveyJgYnzzmdKC8ndvX0EYPKmNZUiQuhsxGxnZC6RkeFgLEes4D16N6HrlZMxcPf-pC5BkS0voeSEQGLv-xcvC6N2qwBSNiFiJfUJ29SZ4sScN8rqE5ebE6PpwRciJqsXgttrMORvM/s1600/elysium-centre-for-well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wellness centre Rotterdam" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_PveyJgYnzzmdKC8ndvX0EYPKmNZUiQuhsxGxnZC6RkeFgLEes4D16N6HrlZMxcPf-pC5BkS0voeSEQGLv-xcvC6N2qwBSNiFiJfUJ29SZ4sScN8rqE5ebE6PpwRciJqsXgttrMORvM/s1600/elysium-centre-for-well.jpg" height="212" title="Elysium spa" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elysium wellness centre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Have you got a crazy week?<o:p></o:p></h4>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Do you need some rest and
relax?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You have to visit the </span><a href="http://www.elysium.nl/nl/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue;">spa Elysium</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is a top class spa in
the north of Rotterdam, 5 minutes from Hillegersberg, close to Rotterdam
airport.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There are several different
swimming pools, hot and cold, many bathing areas and Jacuzzi.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There are over 25 saunas.
Not really sure about the difference between one and the other... but anyway
you can choose among many of them, and they are all beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As an alternative to sauna
you can also experience the Arabic hammam.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There is also an outside
saltwater pool - I didn't dare to visit it last Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There's a nice bar and restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To conclude the relaxing
day you can also have different kind of massage and treatments.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Overall extremely positive
experience….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you manage to survive to
the cultural chock of having everyone going around completely naked!! :)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Not really the most common
thing around Italy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10110045495704233091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-63342918914186816142014-03-17T17:31:00.001+01:002014-03-17T17:34:38.730+01:00WHAT ABOUT FOOD<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">WHAT ABOUT
FOOD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In Rotterdam<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Did you
ever heard of Restaurant Week? Is a trend very popular in NYC, and I happily
discovered that even The Netherlands are feeding the foodies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The concept
is very simple: for a week (usually more than a week in reality) the
restaurants are offering their 3 courses menu with 60% off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you are
fast enough you can even get the chance to book some Michelin starred
restaurant, where you can eat a real gourmet meal for something like 50 Euros per
person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’ve already
tried one in Rotterdam last week: Quartier Du Port, the restaurant of the
Quartier du Port hotel on Van Vollenhovenstraat 48-50.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The atmosphere
is nice and warm, food was good (even if honestly I am not sure worth the full
price menu) and well presented.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We definitely
had a good time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My next try
will be a 2 Michelin star restaurant: FG, and I will share my opinion on that
one next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For now,
give a look to the link below, you will find the Restaurant Week program and
the link to the Quartier du Port.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Enjoy!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.restaurantweek.nl/lang/en/cities/overview">http://www.restaurantweek.nl/lang/en/cities/overview</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.quartierduport.nl/index_en#.UycfrPl5Nyw">http://www.quartierduport.nl/index_en#.UycfrPl5Nyw</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390953625007098454noreply@blogger.com0Rotterdam, Paesi Bassi51.924215999999987 4.48177599999996851.767549999999986 4.1590524999999676 52.080881999999988 4.8044994999999684tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916049706045725638.post-80771485302103295192014-03-17T12:30:00.000+01:002014-03-17T17:17:45.013+01:0010+2 good reasons to learn Dutch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4 style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</h4>
<br />
<h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuevDjpDuTIiotSD53Jmho8Uyspy4wQRDCLx18wBAKCs0o7oc5czHSXO33ct7NVWSbRCypMetlO1NgUygu-UBEwPMRJz3ZO70x1-vXS748PfDxONi0CU7Hcxi3dAojWKbOq8dcyHdr_o/s1600/keep-calm-and-learn-dutch.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuevDjpDuTIiotSD53Jmho8Uyspy4wQRDCLx18wBAKCs0o7oc5czHSXO33ct7NVWSbRCypMetlO1NgUygu-UBEwPMRJz3ZO70x1-vXS748PfDxONi0CU7Hcxi3dAojWKbOq8dcyHdr_o/s1600/keep-calm-and-learn-dutch.png" height="200" width="171" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Living in the Netherlands
you can actually decide not to learn any Dutch: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">here everyone speaks quite good
English.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Even when you do your
grocery it is very common to find someone that would gently answer to your “Sorry
I don’t speak Dutch; do you speak English?” with “yes a little bit”. And their “little
bit” is better than any average English spoken in Italy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Even Dutch people are not
encouraging to learn Dutch. Some of them would ask “why would you bother??”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Despite that, some of us
decided to take some Dutch lessons. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Is definitely not an easy
language; and probably not the most musical one.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We anyway think that learning
a new language is more than only learning few new words. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And here are our 10+2 good
reasons to learn Dutch.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is a way to better <strong>understand the
culture</strong> and the way of thinking of the population that for a certain period is
hosting you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is a way to <strong>get more integrated</strong>:
it can help feeling “a part”, rather than “apart”, slightly reducing the
feeling of no belonging that expats may sometimes have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you want to <strong>meet people</strong> here, it
is always nice to start the conversation with some local words. Then of course
it would take some time before you can actually properly continue the
conversation….but this could be a good excuse to continue talking even if in
another language.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And despite the will always deny it
is useful, Dutch <strong>people will appreciate</strong> the effort you are making to learn
their language. And as soon as you will show some wiliness to learn, they will immediately
help to practice and learn new words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Learning new things, facing new linguistic
obstacles, it is a safe way to <strong>get out from your comfort zone</strong>, without too many
risks. It can become a sort of gym to get trained to face more difficult
situation in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you are here to find a new job
Dutch would definitely help, and it will be anyway <strong>good for your CV.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Even if people in the streets speak English,
majority of the <strong>documents</strong> you receive via mail <strong>are in Dutch</strong>. It would be better
to understand what they are asking you when is the moment you need to pay your
taxes, or your water bill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When the man cleaning the windows of
your house is coming.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-size: small;">Learning a new language <strong>make you feel younger</strong>: you feel like going back to school time, when you had not time to study and the teacher was looking at you like you were really behaving badly</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">10) When <strong>your sons will start speaking Dutch
before you</strong>, even if they go to an English school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you find the right people joining
you in the adventure of learning the new language…<strong> it could be good fun</strong>!.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And… <strong>you never know how long you
will remain in this country….</strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Tot ziens!</strong></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPLvASPMUiETHdFIAMVYK4kjDOI304x2X8v-d5RekwDBKUZzOWTZAGIWZlK6cELGlvltwL59S4KlbJXFSWHG6Vd6xPr9ghCW0vMUISJUOdQj68mLb8MaeOyYoKizfZ7ZzmLa_DSImEGU/s1600/Haarlem3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="North of Holland" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPLvASPMUiETHdFIAMVYK4kjDOI304x2X8v-d5RekwDBKUZzOWTZAGIWZlK6cELGlvltwL59S4KlbJXFSWHG6Vd6xPr9ghCW0vMUISJUOdQj68mLb8MaeOyYoKizfZ7ZzmLa_DSImEGU/s1600/Haarlem3.jpg" height="320" title="Haarlem" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goamsterdam.about.com/od/daytripsexcursions/p/Day-Trip-To-Haarlem-Capital-Of-North-Holland.htm" target="_blank">Haarlem</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Time to start.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Time to start writing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And what better than a
Sunday spring day to start talking about the Netherlands?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Yesterday was wonderful
weather here.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And it is important to
underline this, because as an expat coming from Italy, I would always refer to
the weather. My expectations on Dutch weather before moving here were soooo
horrible, that anytime I see a bit of sun, I think is wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Yesterday was anyway not
only about expectations: yesterday was really a sunny and warm spring day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We took the opportunity to
go and visit <a href="http://www.visithaarlem.org/home.html" target="_blank">Haarlem</a>, without actually knowing a lot about it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is actually quite close
to Amsterdam (20km west from it). And </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">it was a very positive
surprise.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Here some more tips on <a href="http://goamsterdam.about.com/od/daytripsexcursions/p/Day-Trip-To-Haarlem-Capital-Of-North-Holland.htm" target="_blank">things to do and visit in Haarlem</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We arrived around 13.00 and
not many people were around. We sat for a quick lunch in a bar in the main
square: <strong>Grote Markt.</strong> A fabric market was held. Nice because was making the city
alive. I was though not really positively impressed by fabrics quality. Was
anyway funny to walk there.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cjf10NtJ_f8/Ux0JTUZyL4I/AAAAAAAAL2w/plnvc5io-Sk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cjf10NtJ_f8/Ux0JTUZyL4I/AAAAAAAAL2w/plnvc5io-Sk/s1600/image.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the Grote Markt square there's also <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">St. Bavo Cathedral</span></strong>: wonderful.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We got a nice hamburger
with cheese and bacon at the <a href="http://www.grandcafebrinkmann.nl/" target="_blank">Grand Café’ Brinkmann</a>: one of the sunniest and
hence most crowded places.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After lunch the town seemed
to get alive: also taking advantage of the nice weather, everyone was in the
streets. We went walking around the town and we discovered it is full of nice
restaurant, and interesting shops. You can still breathe the artistic and
cultural atmosphere that was here in the 17<sup>th</sup> century.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcz-H8ujuis/Ux0JgogEXBI/AAAAAAAAL6M/Gx7p1EBWSXM/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcz-H8ujuis/Ux0JgogEXBI/AAAAAAAAL6M/Gx7p1EBWSXM/s1600/image.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Immediately outside the
city center there’s a nice canal with boat. A couple of families were just on
the point to go for a tour with their boat. Three kids lying on couches, parents
in t-shirt to enjoy the nice weather, a couple of wine glasses …. Sometimes
Dutch people seem to be really able to enjoy life in the proper way.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wej5ipx4bSE/Ux0JkJvnVhI/AAAAAAAAL7M/tWK1aPThL3c/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wej5ipx4bSE/Ux0JkJvnVhI/AAAAAAAAL7M/tWK1aPThL3c/s1600/image.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a>
Walking back from the canal we discovered <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.franshalsmuseum.nl/en/" target="_blank">Frans Hals Museum</a> in a delicious street, a bit far away from the crowd of the city center.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div style="tab-stops: 193.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But
the most important thing we discovered about Haarlem is that is very famous for
its tulips cultivation, and, we learned that in May there will be the 2014
flower parade.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="tab-stops: 193.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On
Saturday May 3rd at 9.30, the annual Flower Parade will travel its 40-km route
along the main roads from Noordwijk to Haarlem where it will arrive at about
21.00. The flower parade is free of charge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="tab-stops: 193.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> of May it will be
possible to admire the flower floars in Haarlem until 17.00.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Check here for more infos.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.holland.com/uk/tourism/article/flower-parade.htm"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.holland.com/uk/tourism/article/flower-parade.htm</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/776/flower-parade-2014.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/776/flower-parade-2014.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Absoltely must have visit from my point of view.<br />
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